Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Muslims Recognize Temple's Existence

I don't have access to the particular guide referenced, but I don't doubt that it is true. Of course, the statement was made in a different day and age. But now that politics are different, so is truth.

Sir, - I read with interest "Jerusalem mufti: Western Wall was never part of Jewish temple" (October 25).

The kind of denial by former mufti Ikrema Sadi is somehow disputed by no more and no less than the institution he represents: the Supreme Muslim Council. In an official guide published by the council in 1930, it states: "This site is one of the oldest in the world. Its sanctity dates from the earliest times. It's identity with the site of Solomon's Temple is beyond dispute. This, too, is the spot, according to universal belief, on which 'David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings' from 2 Samuel XXIV, 25."

After reading this article I searched the internet for references. I actually found the 1925 version of the book referenced, on eBay for $6. I received it in the mail last night and to my surprise the article is 100% correct.

Two parts of interest are on page 4

". Its identity with thesite of Solomon’s Temple is beyond dispute. This, too, is thespot, according to the universal belief, on which “ David builtthere an altar unto the Lord , and offered burnt offerings andpeace offerings”. (1)"--- and the foot note reads --"1) 2 Samuel XXIV, 25"

and page 16

" It dates probably as far back as the constructionof Solomon's Temple. "